NCJ Number
160659
Date Published
1994
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Although many psychotherapists are unable to help their alcoholic patients defeat their addiction, by enlisting the support of the alcoholic's family members and friends, therapists can more successfully convince patients of their alcoholism and motivate them to combat it.
Abstract
Most effective addiction treatment involves either self- help, peer support, or both, and these are difficult to provide in office practice. To address this strategic deficit, the author has developed an approach that engages the support of a small group, some family, and some friends to meet with a substance abuser and therapist at regular intervals to secure abstinence and help with the development of a drug-free life. He calls this "network therapy." Family and peers become part of the therapist's working team, not subjects of treatment themselves. Such an approach is warranted by the unique characteristics of the substance dependence syndrome. Social supports are necessary for overcoming the denial and relapse that are so compromising to effective care for the substance abuser. A variety of devices are used to enhance the effectiveness of the network, such as introducing relapse prevention techniques into network sessions, using formal written agreements, and managing medication intake. Of the patients treated under network therapy by the author, 77 percent achieved a major or full improvement; they were abstinent or had virtually eliminated substance use, and their life circumstances were materially improved and stable. Patients whose drug use was mild to moderate were more likely to achieve success (93 percent) than those with severe dependence (61 percent). A patient's drug of choice was not associated with relative success, nor was regular attendance at meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous.